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With the press conference that took place Tuesday afternoon, Virginia Governor Ralph Northam declared Juneteenth to be a State Holiday and Pharrell supported that decision. Pharrell talked about what June 19th means to him as i black man and recommended other states to get on board. Pharrell stated, “This is our chance to lead, to truly embrace the importance of Juneteenth and treat it as a celebration of freedom that black people deserve,”... “This is about proper recognition, it’s about observation, and it’s about celebration. This is a chance for our government, our corporations, and our citizens to all stand in solidarity with their African American brothers and sisters.” The recognition of Juneteenth as a federal holiday has been growing rapidly during these past weeks of ongoing protests against police brutality and injustice in our nation. Although Virginia legislators have to sign a bill to actually confirm it an official holiday, state employees will have their paid day off due to the holiday. Pharrell explained, “From this moment on, when you look at the vastness of the night sky, and you see those stars moving up there, know that those stars are our African ancestors dancing,”... “They’re dancing in celebration because their lives are finally being acknowledged.” Finally, Juneteenth will get it's recognition and proper acknowledgement.
